England goalkeeper Joe Hart would love to carve out a long-term career at Manchester City.

Hart, 23, looks certain to continue his ever-present record in the Barclays Premier League this season against Liverpool on Monday night and continue his remarkable progress since replacing Shay Given as City's number one goalkeeper.

Hart is having the time of his life and said: "If I was given the opportunity I would not hesitate in committing myself to this club. Lots can happen in football I suppose but at this moment I am taking it season by season."

He added: "I do not consider myself to be a top keeper just yet. I still have a long way to go before I could be considered in that way. You need to work hard and enjoy what you are doing.

"I am just mad about football. It is always on my mind. When I go home I watch football."

While manager Roberto Mancini is delighted with Hart's progress he insists there is much more to come from the player.

Mancini said: "It was very difficult for me at the start of the season when I had to decide who to pick because we had two fantastic goalkeepers.

"The reason I picked Joe was I felt he could become the best goalkeeper in England - and he has.

"But he is young. It is only his second season in Barclays Premier League. He can improve a lot. He can be the best goalkeeper here for a long time."